Football - Cherries his by Partington blow

Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington will miss their clash with Notts County and the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old, who has made 18 appearances in 2012/13, suffered a fractured right fibula in training and manager Eddie Howe admitted his absence comes as a blow.

Howe has been developing the Welshman into a defender and is excited about his prospects when he returns from injury.

The Cherries boss is hopeful that Lewis Grabban will have recovered from his bought of tonsillitis to feature at the Goldsands Stadium. The 25-year-old missed their victory over Scunthorpe on Monday.

Midfielder Eunan O'Kane is likely to start again after he starred in that victory having shaken off a foot injury he suffered on Good Friday. A combination of intensive treatment and a fear of losing his place saw O'Kane declared fit at the last minute.